Krini Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Krini Cardigan in Rowan Merino Aria

What Is Being Made

The Krini Cardigan is a knitted cardigan designed by Martin Storey for Rowan. This intermediate-level garment is constructed as a button-front cardigan with shaped shoulders and a back neck, available in nine size options ranging from bust measurements of 71–76 cm (28–30 in) through to 152–157 cm (60–62 in). The actual finished bust measurements range from 101.5 cm to 184.5 cm, accommodating a wide variety of body sizes.

Knitting Techniques Used

The Krini Cardigan employs several key knitting techniques to create its structure and visual interest:

• Ribbed Cuffs: The garment begins with a knit-purl rib pattern worked over 12 rows at the lower edge, providing elasticity and a finished appearance
• Cable and Lace Patterning: The main body incorporates a combination of cable stitches and lace elements, creating textural variation across the front pieces
• Shaped Construction: The cardigan features shoulder shaping achieved through sequential cast-offs at the beginning of rows, and back neck shaping with stitches held on stitch holders for later finishing
• Separate Piece Construction: Left and right fronts are worked separately, with instructions for reversing shapings to create a symmetrical garment
• Front Band Application: A front band is integrated into the design, with stitches held centrally for this purpose

Stitches Used

The Krini Cardigan utilizes a range of fundamental and decorative knitting stitches:

• Knit and Purl Stitches: These form the basis of the ribbed sections and stockinette stitch background
• Slip Stitch (sl 1): Used in combination with knit stitches to create cable-like textures
• Yarn Forward (yfwd): Creates eyelet openings within the pattern, contributing to the lace elements
• Decrease Stitches: Slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over (K1, psso) and purl 2 together (P2tog) are used for shaping and pattern definition
• Stockinette Stitch (st st): Forms the primary fabric background
• Cable Pattern: The pattern incorporates cable techniques, indicated by the cable needle requirement and the 21 stitch, 23 row tension gauge over cable patterning

Materials: Yarn and Needles

The Krini Cardigan is designed to be worked in Rowan Merino Aria, a yarn presented in 50-gram balls. The pattern was photographed in the colorway Natural 041. Yarn quantities vary by size, with the pattern specifying 12 to 15 balls depending on the finished garment size selected.

The pattern requires specific needle sizes to achieve the correct tension and fabric characteristics:

• 6mm (US 10) needles: Used for the ribbed cuff sections and available as both straight needles and as part of a circular needle option
• 7mm (US 10½) needles: Used for the main body patterning after the ribbed cuff is complete
• 6mm (US 10) Circular Needle: At least 140 cm long, available as an alternative for working the garment in the round or for managing large stitch counts
• Cable Needle: Required for manipulating stitches when working the cable pattern elements

Tension and Gauge

Achieving correct tension is essential for this intermediate project. The pattern specifies two tension gauges: 14 stitches and 21 rows to 10 cm over stockinette stitch, and 21 stitches and 23 rows to 10 cm over the cable pattern, both measured using 7mm (US 10½) needles. Knitters should work a tension swatch before beginning to ensure their finished garment matches the intended dimensions.

Pattern Structure

The Krini Cardigan is worked in separate pieces: a back, left front, and right front, with shapings worked at regular intervals. The pattern includes detailed row